Flights to Nairobi (NBO)

Most people take flights to Nairobi to see Kenya’s savannah, but city life here is just as intriguing.

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Flights to Nairobi

The very mention of Kenya conjures images of the savannah, safari and pristine beaches. This is perhaps why the country’s capital can be overlooked by travellers, whose flights to Nairobi are often only the first part of a connecting trip to elsewhere in the country.

Of course, as a starting point, it’s ideal, with the Rift Valley, game parks and other nationally protected lands all within a couple of hours’ drive. Slightly further afield is Mount Kilimanjaro, which, while not officially in Kenya, remains a popular trip taken by those on holiday in Nairobi.

But what makes Nairobi an ideal destination is the contrast between urbanism and natural wonder. While animal sanctuaries and parkland are but a short cab journey away, the centre boasts shining skyscrapers worthy of any thriving metropolis.

Nairobi is putting its troubles behind it, and turning heads with its ambition, dynamism and growth. It’s an increasingly important East African business hub and the region’s leaders in technology – IBM, Google, Microsoft, Cisco, and Intel – all have their African headquarters here. (The area, located on the outskirts of the city, is being dubbed the Silicon Savannah.)

This injection of big business has helped elevate other aspects of the city, including dining, nightlife and activities.

What to do in Nairobi

What to do in Nairobi

Where to eat in Nairobi

Where to eat in Nairobi

Places to stay in Nairobi

Places to stay in Nairobi

Learn about Kenya’s culture at Bomas

Get involved with the locals at this brilliant tribute to all things Kenyan. You'll be welcomed and treated to cultural dance performances and tours through mock traditional villages to see how the country looked many years ago.

Visit the Karen Blixen Museum

The farm that belonged to Danish author Karen Blixen, who is best known for her memoir Out Of Africa, has been turned into a museum. Much of the Oscar-winning film adaptation was shot here, making the grounds and rooms inside instantly recognisable.

Meet the monkeys at Nairobi Arboretum

This century-old 30-hectare protected area boasts more than 350 species of trees and over 100 species of resident and migrant birds, as well as small mammals such as the cheeky vervet and sykes monkey. Its seclusion makes it a wonderful place to relax.

Explore Rift Valley

If you want a real taste of the savannah, join a tour to the Rift Valley, which lies on the edge of Nairobi. The valley is at its deepest towards the city, resulting in dramatic scenery and great views, especially near Lake Naivasha and the surrounding national park.

Take a mini-safari in Nairobi National Park

Travel just a bit south of Nairobi’s busy city centre and you’ll find yourself in 117 square kilometres of national park. And while it is relatively small by Kenyan standards, the Nairobi National Park is home to black rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, wildebeests, and many other incredible creatures. The Nairobi Safari Walk – an elevated platform through an area of the park – is stunning.

Relax at Muthaiga Country Club

This country club is an oasis of calm on the outskirts of the city. The MCC was founded in 1913, and used to be a favourite hangout for British aristocrats. Nowadays, it welcomes travellers who simply want to stop by for a bite to eat and a taste of colonial charm.

Purdy Arms (British)

The lounge at the Purdy Arms – complete with an outdoor terrace – is a favourite after-work hangout for expats and affluent locals. It’s also one of the top places to kick back and watch the sun go down. The restaurant, meanwhile, serves a handful of international dishes, but the real draw is the English grub.

Carnivore, Nairobi (Steak)

This haven for meat eaters serves everything from beef to zebra, and ostrich to crocodile. It’s an African experience from the outset, with a live band drumming you in, and the meat roasting on open spits.

Tamambo Karen Blixen (Seafood)

Situated at the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden, near the museum dedicated to the famous author, this elegant eatery serves fresh, sophisticated seafood, steak and chicken dishes. Guests can dine al fresco, enjoying the views from the picturesque terrace.

Tokyo Restaurant (Japanese)

The interior design of this restaurant is true to the Japanese aesthetic; light woods, limited lighting and natural tones, while movable screens separate the individual dining areas. The sushi and sashimi have set the bar high for what is a developing cuisine in the country.

Tin Roof Café (Cafe)

This cool, kitsch independent cafe serves its own brand of coffee, alongside fresh salads, soups and sweet treats. There’s a lovely atmosphere created by Nairobi’s edgy younger crowd, tapping away on their laptops looking for the next big idea.

Thai Chi (Asian)

Set in the Sarova Stanley – one of the city’s finest hotels – Thai Chi serves colourful, fragrant, and very tasty Thai and Asian fusion food. When the weather’s good, try and grab a table by the pool for a memorable dining experience.

Hemingways Nairobi

This boutique hotel is designed in the spirit of a plantation-style property. It features 45 spacious rooms, each boasting a private balcony looking out onto the Ngong Hills. The Brasserie is one of Nairobi’s most popular restaurants, too, specialising in succulent steaks.

The Boma Nairobi

This swish establishment offers 148 luxury deluxe guest rooms, restaurants, and a spa and health club. Amazingly, all the hotel’s profits fund the Kenya Red Cross Society’s humanitarian activities, and guests are encouraged to learn about their work in Africa.

Tribe

Beyond the Gigiri Forest, Tribe is a boutique hotel where the focus on design has made it stand out from the crowd in Nairobi. With traditional tribal art throughout, you’ll find something to admire around every corner before you even get to your room.

Sankara Nairobi

This five-star hotel, located in Westlands, features stylishly appointed rooms, an acclaimed spa and a fantastic infinity pool on the rooftop. There’s a strong commitment to regional art with many of the rooms and communal areas decked out with sculptures. There are four restaurants to choose from.

Giraffe Manor

Set in a former hunting lodge, this hotel epitomises high-end luxury. As the name suggests, giraffes roam the grounds and make a habit of joining guests for breakfast by peering through the dining room window in search of a snack. The hotel is connected to the giraffe sanctuary.

Fairmont The Norfolk

Since opening in 1904, the Fairmont has been one of the most famous hotels in Nairobi. Situated across from John Michuki Memorial Park and the Nairobi River that runs through it, the hotel offers utmost in comfort. It also has its own subtropical gardens.

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